The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-11
WASHINGTON NEWS TOPICS.
General Belief that the Pending Anti
Polygamy Bill Will Prove Efiicacious.
The National Capital Vindicates Its Morals by
Filming Newsboys-How Commissioner
Sparks Evades the Ciyil-Service Law.
THE ANTI-poLYGAMY BILL.
Non-Normons Believe that It Will Accom-.
plish the Desired End.

Non-Mormons Believe that It viii Accom-
plish the Desired End.
Washington Special.
Mr.. Hugh c. Wallace, of Salt Lake City, re-
ceiver of public moneys for Utah, is in the city
for few days on official business, and was
asked to-day about the general opinion in tho
Territory regarding the effectiveness of the
EdmundsTucker anti-polygamy bill in the
event of its becoming a law. In reply. he said:
Irrespective of political affiliations, the nom
Morvnons of Utah are unanimously of the opin-
ion that this bill will be the death blow to
polygamy. and ultimately crush the political
power OF the church, thus dissolving the union
OF church and State, which is now absolute. 1t
perfects the provisions of existing laws looking
to the punishment of those who prac-
tice polygamy and kindred crimes. 1t
takes from the church the power of electing
most of the territorial officers Under
his provision it is thought that wi ser measures
for the government of the Territory will be
adopted, at the same time that the Mormon
priesthood will be stripped of their inordinate
power. The bill under consideration disfran-
ard subscribe TO an oath in substance that they
are not practicing polycamy; that they will obey
the laws against polygamy and unlawful cohab-
itation, and will not abet, aid. counsel advise
the commission of those crimes You will seq.
therefore, that il this bill becomes law the vote
by which the Mormon church has heretofore
maintained its power over the state will be d.
nsted; first by the woman vote. and second,
: by the men, who will not take the oath. l am
aware that the Mormons claim that the Gentiles
are Garnet baggers and adventures,
and desire this legislation for selfish
ends. but this claim is unfounded. Those
who are most strongly urging the passage of this
measure are men of large means. who do not de-
sire and would not accept office There are
more than dozen millionaires in Salt Lake. all
OF whom are earnest advocates of this BILL
Walker Bros, for instance. are worth So 0O0 000
with gigantic real estate interests in Salt Lake,
and they believe that this measure will at once
largely enhance the value of real estate. Capt.
tai has Stunned Utah because of the uncertain
tv and insecurity, and, exceptin mining, little or
no capital or enterprise has gone there. Ambi-
tons young Mormons have realized that political
preferment has not been the reward of merit or
brains. but simply bestowed on fanatics
whose first devotion was to the church
Under this bill all who will renounce
the unlawful practices of the church
and take the oath will have the avenues open to
crafty political ambition 1t is well known that
hundreds of the young and enlightened men de-
sire this opportunity, and when given will avail
themselves of it. This bill holds out induce
ments to all who are willing to pay first
allegiance to the government rather than the
church. If this bill becomes a law it ia certain
an immense amount of capital will come in at
once. Mining. manufacturing, real estate. and
In fact all business, will be stimulated by reason
of this influx of capital and confidence in good
government This will cause an immediate i'm
petus to money making. which. I am sure, will
speedily be followed by an unprecedented boom
immigration and new blood will follow. and
many resources which we heretofore lain DOR
mant will be actively developed